E*TRADE's fee structure depends on the account type and what you trade

E*TRADE does not charge a monthly account maintenance fee for most brokerage accounts. However, you will pay fees when you buy or sell certain investments, and some account features or services carry separate charges. The amount you pay depends on what you trade, how often you trade it, and which optional services you use.

The largest fees most traders encounter are per-trade commissions on stocks, options, and mutual funds. E*TRADE also charges inactivity fees if your account sits unused for a set period, and wire transfer fees if you move money out. Understanding which trades trigger fees and which do not is the fastest way to avoid surprise charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Stock and ETF trades cost $0 per transaction, but options trades cost $0.65 per contract.
  • Mutual funds purchased through E*TRADE may carry a transaction fee unless they are on the no-transaction-fee list.
  • An inactivity fee of $40 per quarter applies if your account has no trades or deposits for 12 months.
  • Outgoing wire transfers cost $25, though incoming wires are free.
  • Margin accounts and certain advisory services charge interest or management fees separate from trade commissions.

Stock and ETF trades have no per-trade cost

Buying or selling stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on E*TRADE costs $0 per trade. This applies to all account types — individual, joint, IRA, and others. You can trade as many times as you want without hitting a per-transaction fee.

This zero-commission structure is standard across most major brokers now, but it is worth confirming because some older accounts or special account types may have different rules. If you are unsure whether your account charges commissions on stocks, log in and check your account settings or call E*TRADE directly.

Options trades cost $0.65 per contract

Each options contract you buy or sell costs $0.65. If you buy one call option contract, that is $0.65. If you sell five put contracts, that is $3.25. The fee applies whether you are opening or closing the position.

E*TRADE does not charge a separate "per-trade" fee for options the way some brokers do — the $0.65 per contract is the only commission. However, you may also pay exchange fees and regulatory fees on top of the per-contract charge; these are set by the exchanges and the SEC, not by E*TRADE, and they typically add a few cents per contract.

Mutual funds: free on the approved list, charged otherwise

E*TRADE maintains a list of mutual funds with no transaction fee. Buying or selling these funds costs nothing. However, mutual funds not on that list carry a transaction fee, usually between $49.95 and $99.95 per trade.

Before you buy a mutual fund through E*TRADE, search the fund name in your account to see whether it appears on the no-transaction-fee list. If it does not, you will see the fee amount displayed before you confirm the trade. Many investors avoid this fee by buying ETFs instead, which have no transaction cost and often track the same indexes as mutual funds.

Inactivity fees apply after 12 months with no activity

If your E*TRADE account has no trades and no deposits for 12 consecutive months, E*TRADE charges a $40 inactivity fee every quarter until activity resumes. A single trade or deposit resets the 12-month clock.

This fee is easy to avoid: make at least one trade or deposit per year. Even a small transaction counts. If you have an account you do not plan to use, closing it before the 12-month mark eliminates the risk of inactivity fees.

Wire transfers and other account services

Transferring money out of your E*TRADE account by wire costs $25 per outgoing wire. Incoming wires are free. ACH transfers (electronic transfers between your E*TRADE account and a linked bank account) are also free in both directions.

If you hold a margin account and borrow money to trade, E*TRADE charges interest on the borrowed amount. The interest rate varies based on how much you borrow and current market rates. If you use E*TRADE's advisory services or robo-advisor, those carry separate management fees, typically ranging from 0.30% to 0.50% of assets under management per year.

How to check your specific account's fees

E*TRADE's fee structure can vary slightly based on when your account was opened and what type of account you hold. The most reliable way to see what you will pay is to log into your account and look at the fee schedule in your account settings, or call E*TRADE's customer service at the number on your statement.

Before you make a trade, E*TRADE displays the estimated fees on the order confirmation screen. This is your chance to see the exact cost before you commit. If the fee surprises you, you can cancel the order and choose a different investment or strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does E*TRADE charge a monthly fee just for having an account?

No. E*TRADE does not charge a monthly or annual account maintenance fee. You only pay when you trade certain investments, use specific services like margin or advisory, or if your account sits inactive for 12 months.

Why am I seeing a fee on my statement that I did not expect?

The most common unexpected fees are mutual fund transaction fees (if you bought a fund not on the no-fee list), options commissions, wire transfer charges, or inactivity fees. Check your statement detail to see which transaction triggered the charge, then review the sections above for that investment type.

Can I avoid the inactivity fee?

Yes. Make at least one trade or deposit to your account within any 12-month period. Even a small stock purchase or a $1 deposit resets the clock. If you do not plan to use the account, close it before 12 months pass.

Do I pay fees on dividends or interest earned in my account?

No. Dividends paid by stocks and interest earned on cash balances do not trigger E*TRADE fees. You only pay fees when you actively buy or sell investments, or when you use services like margin or advisory.

What is the difference between E*TRADE's commissions and exchange fees?

E*TRADE's commissions are what the broker charges you directly — $0 for stocks and ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. Exchange fees and SEC regulatory fees are separate charges set by the stock exchanges and the government, not by E*TRADE. These typically add a few cents per trade and appear as line items on your statement.